I received a "baby bob" mast float for my 1976 Hobie 16. I looked online to see the instructions for installation and all that appeared was how to attach it to the newer type of masts. My mast has the circular pulley casting at the top and I am not sure how or where exactly to mount the mast bob without drilling into or interfering with the pulley. Can somebody tell me how to accomplish this attachment without destroying my mast?

Hobie 14 and Hobie 16 without Comp Tip Mast Head. Tools required are a number 20 drill, a 10- 32 tap and a drill motor. Place the Mast Float and Bracket over the mast head casting such that the centerline of the float is perpendicular to the center line of the mast. Make a mark on the casting at each of the 4 holes in the bracket. Remove the bracket and drill and tap the 4 holes. Caution: Avoid drilling into the sheave if possible. Using the 4 each 10-32 by 5/16" screws and lock washers secure the Mast Float to the mast head. The Hobie 16 mast head casting is narrower then the Hobie 14 and it will therefore require that the ears on the bracket be bent in.

I did this last year on an '81 H16 with the original mast and single sheave and it turned out fine. I completely concur with sunjammers' instructions (but shouldn't the CL of the mast be IN LINE with the CL of the float??? Just curious...). If you follow the PDF instructions alfred_new provides you will be fine.

One note, I was really concerned about the small size of the self tappers and the limited bite they were going to get on the walls of the mast top fitting. Just looked too small to me.

Well, once after installing the bob I was taking the mast down and hadn't put the hinge pin in yet. !!!! The mast got to ~60 degrees and came down in a thunder behind the boat. The saving grace was that I was on the beach. The bob hung on just fine and apart from only a very slight lean to one side there is no noticeable damage.

Yup, its supposed to come with hardware. I just got a call from the shop I picked up the bob from, they called to let me know they forgot to give me the hardware. The joys of buying local! And their prices are exceptional. Small Boat Exchange, Shelburne, VT

RSPvideo- Yea another VT sailor. I am down in Brattleboro, but actually sail in NH. If you need parts or service try Fay's Boat Shop in Gilford, NH. Dave knows his stuff, he ships quickly, and his prices are fair.http://www.faysboatyard.com/store.html Phone: 603-293-8000By the way the sheave is a sailor term for the pulley for the sail halyard that is inside the mast head.

If you haven't drill the holes yet, I'll tell you a better way. If you go to Lowe's and pick up a small sheet of 1/8 or 3/16 thick aluminum, you can cut out 2 rectangles one for each side of the mast head that will stick up above it by about 1.5 in. Drill 1 hole in each piece so you can run a bolt through them and the rivet hole for the mast head pulley. Then you can mount the bob to the two aluminum pieces with 4 bolts and never actually drill into you mast head or worry about tapping holes or the small bolts working loose. I don't have a photo readily available nor the measurements for the aluminum but I do know it works just fine.

It would be nice to have a video or better instructions for a Hobie 16 with comp-tip mast. The included instructions are a little vague and inconsistent with the actual bracket that comes with the Bob.